Willard Bopoto

Willard Bopoto was born in 1985 in Guruve, Northern Zimbabwe. At primary school, his favourite lessons were art and craft. Guruve has rich serpentine deposits, and he spent much of his childhood experimenting in stone sculpture. When he was ten years old, he sold a sculpture to an American customer of neighbouring artist Brighton Sango. This put him “in the mind of art” as a career, since his father had also been a skilled artist.

At secondary school, Willard’s passion for art continued unabated. Another American customer bought some pieces, which reinforced his self-belief; so, when he left school, he began sculpting full-time.

“In my opinion, loving a hobby is the precondition for any positive development. If you like doing [something] and you do it well, then continue doing it for the rest of your life.”
Well said, Willard, we totally agree!